Build Your Own Shed From the Ground Up

Do-it-yourself projects can be rewarding and cost effective, and a shed is no exception. Building your own shed can provide a great storage space and add to your backyard, but a great deal of planning, skill, and follow-through is involved in any do-it-yourself project. There are many things to consider before breaking ground on your new shed. The following tips are provided on behalf of J. Gibson McIlvain Company, a lumber industry leader who can provide quality wood for your shed project:

Plan the type of shed.

Planning is key. Like any do-it-yourself project, building a shed takes decisions and commitment. The type of shed you desire is an important decision to make. Sheds can stand on stilts or be wooden based, so research the different types and plans of sheds to verify what you want. Know the size and shape of the shed you desire, and also consider the placement and types of doors and windows to be built into the shed.

Sheds can be constructed out of metal, wood, plastic, or vinyl, but wood sheds are preferred due to the fact that wood is a renewable resource. Wood sheds also fit in and look natural to a garden or backyard. Finally, if you decide on a wood shed, it’s extremely important to choose the proper lumber to build your shed. Red cedar woods are popular for sheds, but nearly any type of outdoor-suitable lumber will do.

Know your limits and local laws.

Before you begin building, check with your local municipalities and local government authorities to verify whether or not you need a building permit. These requirements may change depending on the size and type of your project, and permits may also cost money depending on the type of shed you are building, a fact which can dramatically impact your design plans.

It is also important to realize how much of a handyman you truly are. Always ask a neighbor, friend, or expert to assist you, and ask for opinions and constructive criticism from fellow friends to help improve the design of your shed. Experts, such as the aforementioned lumber leader McIlvain Company, are also excellent resources to seek out for assistance.

Keep your options open.

There will be multiple options available to you when designing a shed. Roof types, for example, can require different materials and design compared to the rest of the shed. Rooftop types include wood boards, plywood and shingles, or metal sheet roofing, so consider the benefits and downfalls of each type before you begin building.

Also, consider the number and size of windows and doors you want on your shed. If you plan on placing a lawn mower or bicycle in the shed, a garage door or barn door may fit your needs better than a standard door. Windows allow natural light to enter the structure, which is very beneficial, because even in the summertime, sheds can be quite dark. Wisely choosing your options helps to make your shed uniquely well-suited to your needs, so be sure to make your choices carefully, based on your needs rather than price or outside pressures.

Building a shed can be a rewarding and cost effective do-it-yourself project, but it is important to plan your shed and design exactly what you want. High quality lumber wholesaler J. Gibson McIlvain Company is available to provide you with the world’s best lumber and to help you with all of your do-it-yourself projects.